Eremo dei Toschi

In the heart of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, in the municipality of San Godenzo, lies the Hermitage of the Toschi, a place full of charm and spirituality. Immersed in the ancient woods of the Acquacheta valley, this small hermitage is a hidden gem that tells stories of faith, solitude, and connection with nature. The Hermitage of the Toschi is located at about 800 meters above sea level, in a secluded and evocative position, just a few kilometers from the famous Acquacheta waterfall, immortalized by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy (Inferno, Canto XVI). The site can be reached by following ancient paths that cross beech and chestnut forests, offering visitors a unique experience of immersion in nature. The building, simple and austere, is constructed with local stone and blends in perfectly with the surrounding landscape. The original structure includes a small chapel and some rooms used as a shelter for religious or pilgrims seeking peace and meditation. The name "Toschi" seems to derive from the term "Tosco," historically used to refer to the inhabitants of Tuscany. According to some hypotheses, the name could also refer to a group of hermits from the Tuscan region who settled in this place to dedicate themselves to a life of prayer and isolation. Another interpretation suggests that the name may come from a local family, the Toschi, who may have contributed to the foundation or maintenance of the hermitage. The origins of the Hermitage of the Toschi are uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, a time when the Apennine territory was dotted with places of spiritual retreat. This hermitage, like many others in the area, probably originated as a refuge for monks or hermits seeking a place away from the world to devote themselves to prayer and contemplation. During the Renaissance, the Hermitage of the Toschi became a point of reference for pilgrims and travelers crossing the Apennine passes, heading towards important religious destinations such as Camaldoli or La Verna. Although the small hermitage never had the importance of larger monasteries, it represented for centuries a place of recollection and spirituality for the local community. A local legend tells that the hermitage was inhabited, at an undefined period, by a hermit known as Fra’ Giuliano, who was said to have the gift of healing diseases through prayer and the use of medicinal herbs gathered in the surrounding woods. His fame spread far beyond the Acquacheta valley, attracting faithful and sick people even from distant areas. Despite its small size, the Hermitage of the Toschi has been an important spiritual and social reference point for the local community. The farmers and shepherds of the area considered it a sacred place, where they would go to seek divine protection or to participate in special religious celebrations. Today, although located within a farm, the hermitage continues to be a beloved destination for hikers and pilgrims. Its historical and cultural value is linked not only to its architecture and religious function but also to its strategic position along the paths leading to the Acquacheta waterfall, one of the most famous natural sites in the Mugello. The Hermitage of the Toschi is a short distance from the famous Acquacheta waterfall, described by Dante as a place of "high din" due to the roar of its waters.

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